The U.S. Attorney’s office says Savannah’s latest effort with state and federal agencies to reduce crime is off to a running start, but the key to continued success lies in the public’s participation.
Fifteen Savannah residents were charged in the last week with federal firearms and drug trafficking charges as part of a federal and state violent crime reduction initiative in Savannah, said U.S. Attorney Edward Tarver.
Ninety state arrests were also made within the last two weeks during state and federal operations, and residents can expect more reduction efforts in the future, Tarver said.
“The great city of Savannah has a violent crime problem,” he said. “We want to send a message that if you’re trafficking drugs, if you’re illegally using guns, if you are inflicting fear in the community then we’re coming after you. ”
The “End Gun Violence: Step Forward” initiative started at the beginning of the year, Tarver said, when police, the U.S. Attorney’s office, and district attorney’s office met to discuss resources and strategies to reduce crime in Savannah.
“Law enforcement has been able to identify some of those who we believe are responsible for the most violent crimes in Savannah,” Tarver said. “Soon we will invite those folks to participate in a call-in. During that call-in we will tell those folks they have two choices: change your ways or face criminal prosecution, some at the federal level.”
District Attorney Meg Heap said the key to prosecuting violent offenders is community involvement.
“The next step is crucial. ... Without witnesses, without people coming forward then we cannot do the job that needs to be done.”
Savannah-Chatham Police Chief Joseph Lumpkin said residents can expect to see more collaboration between the three agencies as they work establish open commu
nication with the community.